Top 10 Skincare Brands Doctors and Patients Trust Globally

Top 10 Best Skincare Brands in the World

Skincare is a huge industry. More and more people are investing in high-quality products to maintain a youthful, healthy complexion. There are over 25,000 skincare brands in the United States alone. But which ones are the best? I look at skincare brands from a dermatologist’s perspective and introduce you to brands that my patients use around the world.

In this blog post, I will introduce some of the top skincare brands that are loved worldwide for their effective formulas and innovative ingredients.

Just because a brand is a bestseller doesn’t mean it works.

I will introduce you to the best-selling brands in the world and show you which brands are recommended by dermatologists and considered medically appropriate.

To thank you for reading our informative content, you will receive 20% off all products in our store by using the unique code “STSBlog20” at checkout.

Best-selling Skincare Brands in the World

The most popular skincare brands in the world include Skinceuticals, La Roche-Posay, Vichy, CeraVe, Rationale, SkinMedica, and Elta MD.

Depending on the country, these medical-grade skincare solutions are available online, in dermatologist offices, drugstores and pharmacies, and in skincare stores like Sephora, Ulta, Gee Beauty, and Blue Mercury.

They offer clinical-grade formulas that are based on research and technology.

Skinceuticals is known for its vitamin C serums and antioxidant formulas. La Roche-Posay offers mineral sunscreens and products for sensitive skin.

Vichy offers spa-inspired skincare with ingredients like volcanic water. CeraVe uses ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier.

Rationale is an Australian brand that offers custom skincare formulas. SkinMedica offers medical-grade formulas like its TNS serum. Elta MD is known for its sunscreens that are gentle on acne-prone skin.

Other leading global skincare brands include iS Clinical, SkinBetter Science, ZO Skin Health, and Obagi.

Whether you’re looking for luxury skincare or an affordable drugstore brand, you’ll find a brand that truly works as long as you make sure you use the right skincare for your skin type.

(There are 16 skin types!)

Top 10 Skincare Brands in the World

There are a lot of top-selling skincare brands in the world listed above. But which ones work the best?

At my dermatology clinic in Miami, I only use medical-grade skincare brands on my patients.

Here are the top 10 skincare brands my dermatologist recommends (in alphabetical order):

Alastin Skincare – Unique anti-aging technology

Cyspera – Latest in pigmentation technology

Elta MD – Affordable line of physical and chemical sunscreens

Medature – Popular in the US and China

PCA Skin – Best cheap brand

Plated Skin Science – Best exosome brand

Reason – Australia’s leading doctor-prescribed brand

Skinceuticals – Luxury brand

SkinMedica – Best growth factors

VMV Hypoallergenic – Best for sensitive skin

Zerafite – Best brand for dry skin

Best selling acne-fighting skincare brands

For those who are struggling with acne, a well-formulated skincare routine can help reduce breakouts and clear skin.

The world’s leading acne skincare brands include Proactiv, Murad, CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, Paula’s Choice, Clinique, Neutrogena and Differin.

Proactiv offers a multi-step acne treatment system that uses benzoyl peroxide to kill acne bacteria. Murad offers an acne kit with salicylic acid and sulfur to cleanse pores.

CeraVe and La Roche-Posay have non-comedogenic formulas that are great for acne-prone skin. Paula’s Choice uses BHAs such as salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation.

Clinique’s acne range removes excess oil. Neutrogena offers an acne cleanser with micronized benzoyl peroxide. Differin contains prescription adapalene to prevent breakouts.

Our dermatologists’ favorite acne treatment products:

Best whitening skincare brand

Best luxury skincare brand

Rationale is a luxury skincare brand that’s popular with Australian dermatologists. It’s now the newest luxury skincare brand in the US. Rationale combines scientifically sound findings with luxurious formulas.

Cosmetic chemist Richard Parker is passionate about developing skincare products that really work and that people love to use.

In the video below, I interviewed him about his career and his favorite products.

Best Moisturizer Brands

Before you spend hundreds of dollars on a luxury moisturizer like Crème de la Mer, La Prairie, or Sisley, it’s important to determine your Baumann skin type.

That way, we can help you choose the best moisturizer for you from a wide range of top brands.

At my dermatology clinic in Miami and on the SkinTypeSolutions.com website, the best-selling moisturizer by far is from Zerafite.

It’s especially great for dry skin types due to its superior barrier repair technology. Learn more about barrier repair moisturizers and why the Maltese cross pattern is an important indicator of a top moisturizer.

Korean cosmetic scientist Dr. Jong-Kyung Youm is known for developing some of the best moisturizer brands. He specializes in skin barrier repair.

I interviewed him in the video below to get further insights. He compared leading moisturizers from around the world and studied their Maltese cross patterns to find the best creams.

Best-selling whitening skincare brands

For those looking to reduce dark spots and discoloration, these global skincare brands offer effective skin whitening solutions.

These popular products can be used to treat pigmentation such as melasma.

Cyspera is the newest and most unique best-selling whitening product. This hydroquinone-free product uses the new ingredient cysteamine to whiten the skin.

Obagi uses whitening ingredients to inhibit melanin production.

SkinCeuticals offers an effective vitamin C serum with ferulic acid to brighten the skin and protect against free radicals.

NeoStrata contains glycolic acid exfoliants to exfoliate the skin for a fresher look.

PCA Skin offers many affordable whitening products.

Other top choices include SkinMedica Lytera System, Neocutis Brightening Line, and Jan Marini.

The most interesting skin lightening technology in my opinion is the Alastin brand.

In the video below, I interviewed Dr. Alan Widgerow, the founder of this bestselling brand, about his lightening product, Alastin A-Luminate.

When choosing a quality lightening skincare brand, make sure each product is suitable for your Baumann skin type.

Because using the wrong skincare products can lead to inflammation, which can exacerbate skin pigmentation.

The best melasma skincare brands in the world only work best when combined with the best skincare routine to maximize the effectiveness of each product.

For example, the fatty acids in moisturizers can render lightening ingredients ineffective – so the choice of moisturizer is also crucial.

For patients with dry skin, my favorite moisturizer to use with lightening products is Zerafite Whitening Primer because it contains unsaturated fatty acids that inhibit tyrosinase and enhance the effectiveness of lightening products.

These are the best whitening products in the world for melasma and dark spots.

Best Anti-Aging Skincare Brands in the World

As we age, fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging can be visibly reduced with quality skincare products.

The best anti-aging skincare products fight the causes of skin aging and firm the skin by restoring lost collagen with anti-aging ingredients.

The world’s leading anti-aging skincare brands include:

SkinCeuticals is known for its vitamin C serums and antioxidant protection against free radicals. The company also makes a very effective retinol serum.

SkinMedica is known for its TNS line of growth factors and cytokines that stimulate collagen production.

Revision Skincare contains probiotics and prebiotic enzymes to improve the skin microbiome and peptides to firm the skin.

Zerafite Anti-Wrinkle Barrier Cream is made in Korea and contains anti-aging ingredients to fight cellular aging in dry skin and protect against environmental pollution.

Defensins in DefenAge stimulate LGR6+ stem cells to populate the epidermis with young cells.

Plated Skin Science uses exosomes. Exosomes are the most exciting new anti-aging technology and they can be found in many top brands.

The video below introduces Plated SkinScience technology and I interview founders, cardiologist Dr. Atta Behfar and regenerative medicine scientist Dr. Saranya Wyles.

Best-selling sunscreen brands

Sunscreen is only as good as it is when you wear it! These top brands offer sunscreens you’ll love.

Here are my top picks that use the latest sunscreen technology and feel great on the skin—which is exactly why they’re bestsellers.

Rationale was founded in Australia, where melanoma rates are high, so a good sunscreen is essential. The company developed a sunscreen that works so well that it won the 2024 Oprah Sunscreen Award.

My patients love it! The product that won the Oprah Sunscreen Award is called Rationale #3 The Tinted Serum Broad Spectrum SPF50+.

They also have another sunscreen that feels like a tinted, luxurious face primer: Rationale Beautiful Skin SPF30.

This tinted sunscreen comes in six shades to provide glowing, protected skin for all skin tones. No wonder it’s Australia’s favorite doctor-prescribed brand!

Elta MD was originally founded in a few dermatology clinics and is now a leading affordable sunscreen brand. The selection is so wide that there is a sunscreen for everyone.

Is it reef compatible? Tinted or clear? Chemical or physical? There are many options, including aerosol sprays.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios is one of the best-selling skincare brands. However, the Anthelios SPF in the US is not the same as the one in the French pharmacy.

So if you’re traveling to Europe, buy the better version there.

Pavise – They make a vegan sunscreen with diamonds that has an SPF of 30 and is reef-safe. I love this light sunscreen and it’s a bestseller in my doctor’s office and at Skin Type Solutions.

My patients love that it’s light and you can’t feel the sunscreen on. It’s expensive, but I use it on my face and opt for the cheaper ones for the body.

Why is this the best-selling luxury tinted sunscreen? Watch the video below where I interview founder and scientist Sophie Bai.

Are you wondering which of the top products is best for you? Take our skin type quiz.

Once you’ve determined your Baumann skin type, you can search the skin type octagon next to the product to find the right one for you.

Thanks for checking out this blog about the top 10 skincare brands!

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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